10 Ira Kaufman Takeaways From Bucs-Commanders
September 8th, 2024
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Four days after Todd Bowles slammed a podium and shouted “I’m excited,” his football team matched his enthusiasm.
Although the Bucs weren’t perfect in Sunday’s 37-20 victory against the Commanders, you really have to get into the weeds to find fault with their performance. We’ll know a lot more in Week 2 when Tampa Bay travels to Motown.
For now, there’s dancing in the streets along Dale Mabry.
Baker Mayfield was outstanding, dodging a flurry of rushers to complete 24-of-30 passes. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and rookie Jalen McMillan combined for four TD catches while the backfield of Rachaad White and rookie Bucky Irving took turns tormenting Washington’s soft defense.
The Bucs overcame injuries to the secondary while putting a hurting on Washington’s most dangerous weapon. Terry McLaurin caught two inconsequential passes for 17 yards and the only reason the Commanders were slightly competitive was the play of quarterback Jaylen Daniels.
In his first pro game, Daniels ran for 88 yards and a pair of scores. With the Bucs down a couple of defensive linemen, Todd Bowles wasn’t able to rotate up front as much as he planned in 93-degree heat.
New coordinator Liam Coen has to be happy with an offense that scored points on 7-of-8 full possessions. It was a big day for rookies like Irving, McMillan, Graham Barton and second-year pro SirVocea Dennis, who posted six tackles and a sack.
Chase McLaughlin was money from all distances.
Chase McLaughlin opened the scoring from 56 yards out and added two more field goals, allaying any concerns he would struggle in Year 2 as a Buccaneer.
General manager Jason Licht’s broad smile in the locker room confirmed that the Bucs were mentally and physically ready in pursuit of a fourth consecutive division crown.
This was Tampa Bay’s fourth season-opening win in a row and it became apparent early on that Washington was outmatched. With former Buc quarterback Doug Williams looking on dejectedly from the press box as a Commanders executive, the visitors converted only 2-of-8 on third down and missed two field goals.
Here’s how the Bucs built momentum for next week’s game against the team that ended their 2023 season:
* Mayfield’s knack for buying time was evident throughout. He was sacked only once, despite consistent pressure up front. Tom Brady set the NFL standard for pocket presence — but Mayfield is no slouch.
* Irving showcased his bright future, running nine times for 62 yards, including a 31-yard burst. White averaged only 2.1 yards per carry but he continues to be a dazzling target out of the backfield with six receptions for 75 yards. The overall run blocking showed some improvement with two new starters up front.
* Evans and Godwin combined to catch 13 of the 14 passes Mayfield sent their way. On his 17-yard TD grab that built the lead to 13-0, Evans stretched out down the left sideline and hauled in a nice throw, despite solid coverage. It was nice to see Godwin reach the end zone in the opener after the past two seasons resulted in only five TDs combined.
* It wouldn’t be shocking if Daniels topped 1,000 yards rushing in his rookie season, but he must learn the hard way that he’s not playing against Georgia State anymore. He gashed the Bucs on several occasions with his legs but took some hard hits because he chose not to slide.
* Kyle Trask finished the game with a couple of kneeldowns. It’s not ideal, but that’s what the game situation called for. No apologies needed.
* Evans has now played 155 games in his career and scored 96 touchdowns. That’s a heck of a ratio. Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce had 91 TDs during his 223-game career.
* The tackling could have been better on both sides. Even Lavonte David missed bringing down Austin Ekeler on a short pass over the middle that turned into a 22-yard gain.
* Bowles can’t say enough about Irving’s skills and work ethic. Licht may have landed a fourth-round gem.
* Keeping Daniels in the pocket will be a major chore for Washington opponents all season. No such worries for the Buc pass rush next week against Jared Goff, who averages a little more than 4 yards per game on the ground.
* The Bucs gave their fans a lot to like on Sunday. They checked a lot of boxes amid indications this offense is poised to take a major step forward.
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September 8th, 2024 at 10:04 pm
Irving looks dangerous when he touches the ball
September 8th, 2024 at 10:34 pm
Dave Canales the QB whisperer! Guess he didn’t do all that much for geno smith after all because he sure can’t take credit for baker.
September 8th, 2024 at 10:35 pm
Curry Chevrolet will beat any offer by $100 ?
LOL
What kind of offer is that ! Not worth my time and gas for that lame savings.
(LOL I have an electric car , and wouldn’t buy a Chevy !)
Great game though !!! Unfortunately missed seeing a 4 tuddie game in person., waste of my tickets today !
September 8th, 2024 at 10:35 pm
How long can White keep his starting job (workload)? White was solid in the pass game. He may be the Bucs’ 3rd best WR.
The Bucs will need a healthier Defense to beat Detroit. Fingers crossed our guys heal up fast.
September 8th, 2024 at 10:59 pm
I wonder how Ira would define “pocket presence?” Dan Marino? Fran Tarkenton? Both?
September 8th, 2024 at 11:05 pm
* Kyle Trask finished the game with a couple of kneeldowns. It’s not ideal, but that’s what the game situation called for. No apologies needed.
***
I know it’s late and you had to slam something together, but I still can’t figure out what this means.
September 8th, 2024 at 11:07 pm
L for Detroit
September 8th, 2024 at 11:10 pm
CD3 half baked gameday in Det already
September 8th, 2024 at 11:18 pm
Oops maybe spoke too soon on that L
September 9th, 2024 at 12:17 am
Joseph C Simmons. I wouldn’t want to speak for Ira. What I think he meant was that Trask was considered not quite ready to even have a chance to screw things up. I’m surprised BAKER would let anyone finish without a 30 point lead. I think Kyle should do OK if he’s called upon but don’t expect Mayfield to like it. He wants all the plays. Every single one. And even though it would probably help if Trask could get some playing time the consensus is “ tough sh.. “ No apologies needed.
September 9th, 2024 at 12:40 am
detroit rock city
September 9th, 2024 at 2:08 am
Bucs fans finally know what the coaches and GM know they have in KT2.
Starting Kneeler.
He was smooth, didn’t fumble a snap or hurt anyone’s knee. Good job, Kyle.
September 9th, 2024 at 2:15 am
Can’t let White be a third down back only. Defenses will cover him like a wet blanket and he won’t catch anything . Keep the 2 yard average as long as the 20 yard receptions keep coming.
September 9th, 2024 at 2:59 am
Ira … ‘The tackling could have been better on both sides. Even Lavonte David missed bringing down Austin Ekeler on a short pass over the middle that turned into a 22-yard gain.’
Overall great TEAM win Sage, but I agree with you about the tackling. It was Game 1 however, and it was Camp Cupcake through the summer. Plus I’m sure that the oppressive heat took its’ toll on both teams (at 1 point early in the game the needle showed 99 degrees down on the field). That’s brutal.
September 9th, 2024 at 3:58 am
Still got them at 9-8 Ira?
September 9th, 2024 at 5:37 am
Excellent synopsis. Agree on all points.
Evans deserves the Hall of Fame status!
Defense Rules – Yes, the heat definitely had it’s impact. Plus some of those penalties that the refs called on the Bucs were getting insanely repetitious. Thankfully, the one did get the replay and it worked for us. Loved Graham’s big smile after that one.
September 9th, 2024 at 7:31 am
heyjude … I’ve watched 3 games so far this season (Thurs night & 2 Sunday). Came away really disappointed at many of the refs’ calls. Some are obvious & I have no issue with calling those. But some were really picky, and could have turned the tide of the game.
Example: that call against the Bucs that got overturned by technology. That was a long pass play (I think it was around 30-35 yards) that thankfully was overturned ‘upstairs’, but that MIGHT have impacted the final outcome in a big way.
September 9th, 2024 at 8:40 am
Nailed it yet again Ira! I think Dennis gets the surprise player award from me.
Go Bucs!
September 9th, 2024 at 9:29 am
Fully agree, Defense Rules. Very disappointed with the refs yesterday on a few games, especially ours. That call definitely could have impacted the outcome. So glad it was overturned. The replay worked for us this time.
September 9th, 2024 at 11:41 am
I’d argue the Bucs pass rush has far more to worry about next week, even if Goff is a stationary QB.
He thrives against the blitz, has an outstanding offensive line, and has dangerous weapons at WR, TE and RB.
Our offense is going to need to score early and often, especially with all the defensive injuries
September 9th, 2024 at 11:48 am
Speaking of the refs, Joe wrote before the game that this crew wasn’t big on throwing hankies. Is that so? DR is correct: that one bad call that was overturned (surprise, surprise) on the long gainer would have gone against the Bucs in the (hopefully) old days. It would have broken the team’s heart, too. I’ve seen plenty of losses over the years dealt to my Bucs in this fashion. Too many, in fact! Thanks, Ira. I have to say Jaylin Daniels is SCARY. I listen on Bucs Radio, and he was running all over the place like a gazelle. He’s smart and has a strong arm. Washington finishes building the supporting cast around him, and he stays healthy, they’re going to make some serious noize in the NFC Least. Go Bucs!!
September 9th, 2024 at 11:51 am
Thanks, Kenton